Drew Carey Admits He Doesn't Prep Before Filming The Price Is Right

"The Price is Right" is the longest-running game show in the United States, with 51 seasons and more than 9,000 episodes since its premiere in 1972. On the show, contestants compete with each other by guessing the retail price of various items to try and win money or other prizes such as cars and vacations. Viewers seem to enjoy the show in part because they can easily play along at home, then be surprised at the prices of certain items. It's also exciting when contestants take risks in order to earn (or lose) extra money. In addition to being popular among audiences, the show was inducted into the NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2022. 

Although Bob Barker was the original host of "The Price is Right" from 1972 until his retirement, Drew Carey took over as host in 2007 and has remained so until today. Viewers might assume that hosting such a popular and successful game show would be a hard job that requires a lot of preparation. However, it turns out this is not exactly the case.

Drew Carey's genuine excitement during the game show is one reason why "The Price is Right" fans think Drew Carey is good at his job. However, it turns out Carey does not prepare at all for his hosting duties.

When CBS Sunday Morning asked Carey what he does to get ready before filming the game show, Carey said, "There is no prep." However, he also noted, "As soon as that door opens, I know exactly what to do." 

Perhaps Carey has been hosting the show for so long (15 years) that it comes as second nature at this point. Or perhaps Carey is just a naturally friendly, enthusiastic host who does not need to mentally or emotionally prepare in order to be a people person. Carey himself thinks the reason "The Price is Right" still works is because of the contestants, not the hosts.